Personal Dyslexia Stories, DAS Alumni Blog and Happenings, Celebrating Dyslexia Success
Sophie O’Hara: From DAS Student to Young Achiever Award Winner
From a young student learning to navigate dyslexia to a confident student leader and award-winning alumna, Sophie O’Hara’s journey is a reminder that success takes many forms.
When Sophie O’Hara returned to the Dyslexia Association of Singapore (DAS) as an emcee for its 35th Anniversary Charity Golf and Dinner in August 2026, it marked another meaningful chapter in her journey with the organisation.
Just nine months earlier, Sophie had received the 2025 DAS Young Achiever Award, recognising her outstanding achievements in academics, leadership, sports and service to her community.
But behind these accomplishments is a story that began more than a decade ago, when Sophie was a young girl learning to understand what dyslexia meant for her.
Finding Her Way with Dyslexia
Sophie was diagnosed with mild dyslexia in 2015, when she was in Primary 2. At the time, she struggled with reading and found that words and numbers sometimes appeared confusing.
Recalling her early experiences during her Young Achiever Award acceptance speech in November 2025, Sophie shared with humour that she did not even know how to spell the word ‘dyslexia’ when she was first diagnosed.
She began attending DAS classes at the Bishan Learning Centre, where she gradually developed strategies to support her learning and build confidence in her abilities.
One technique that has stayed with her is breaking down longer words into smaller parts and using her finger to guide herself when reading or speaking. Even years after leaving DAS, Sophie continues to apply these strategies in her daily life.
“These small but mighty steps have truly helped me become a more confident learner,” Sophie shared in her graduation speech.
Throughout her journey, Sophie was supported by her Educational Therapists, including Mr Walter and Ms Nur Farahin, who accompanied her through her later years at DAS until she graduated from the programme in Secondary 4.
Discovering Strengths Beyond the Classroom
While Sophie worked hard to manage her learning challenges, she also discovered that her abilities extended far beyond academics.
During secondary school, she was an active member of her school’s rhythmic gymnastics team, representing her school in competitions while balancing her studies and responsibilities as a student councillor.
Her dedication earned her several recognitions, including the Singapore School Sports Council Colours Award for rhythmic gymnastics in 2022, the Edusave EAGLES Award for leadership and service in 2023, and the CHIJ Achievement Award for outstanding performance and leadership in 2024.
She also received awards recognising her character and academic achievements.
Despite the demands of her various commitments, Sophie performed well in her O-Level examinations and progressed to Catholic Junior College (CJC).
There, she continued pursuing her passion for leadership, eventually becoming President of CJC’s 50th Student Council. As Student Council President, Sophie worked alongside fellow student leaders and teachers to organise college activities and contribute to the school community.
Her leadership experiences reinforced something she had come to recognise about herself: academic performance is only one measure of a person’s abilities.
In her graduation speech, Sophie encouraged younger students to discover their own interests and strengths, and to use their talents to make a positive difference in their communities.
Recognised as a DAS Young Achiever
In November 2025, Sophie was presented with the DAS Young Achiever Award at the annual Student Graduation and Achievement Awards Ceremony.
Selected from five nominations that year, Sophie stood out for her consistent achievements across academics, sports, leadership and service, as well as her ability to inspire younger learners with dyslexia.
For her former Educational Therapist, Ms Nur Farahin, Sophie’s ability to balance her responsibilities while continuing to excel made her an inspiring example for younger DAS students.
Yet, when Sophie took to the stage to receive her award, she chose to focus not only on her accomplishments, but also on the lessons she had learnt along the way.
She spoke about embracing dyslexia as part of her identity, recognising her individual strengths and showing kindness to others.
One of her most meaningful reflections was that dyslexia is often an invisible learning difference. The challenges faced by someone with dyslexia may not always be apparent to others, making understanding, empathy and kindness especially important.
Sophie also reminded her fellow students to appreciate the people who had supported them, expressing her gratitude to her family, friends and teachers at DAS.
Her message was clear: having dyslexia does not diminish a person’s potential to achieve, lead or contribute meaningfully to society.
Coming Full Circle: Giving Back to DAS
Sophie’s relationship with DAS did not end when she graduated.
In August 2026, she returned to support the organisation as a co-emcee alongside DAS Educational Therapist Zachary Wan at the DAS 35th Anniversary Charity Golf and Dinner.
Standing before supporters, donors and members of the DAS community, Sophie shared how the support she received at DAS had helped her develop not only learning strategies, but also confidence in herself.
During the event, Sophie highlighted the importance of having people who believe in and support learners with dyslexia, rather than allowing labels to define their potential.
Her return was particularly meaningful as she represented the very impact that DAS seeks to create: empowering learners with dyslexia to develop confidence, recognise their strengths and pursue their aspirations.
Sophie is now pursuing Social Work at the National University of Singapore (NUS)
Her willingness to give back also reflects the importance of maintaining meaningful connections with DAS alumni, whose experiences can inspire younger students and their families.
From a Primary 2 student trying to make sense of dyslexia to a confident young leader addressing an audience, Sophie’s journey has come full circle.
Every Learner Has Strengths Worth Celebrating
Sophie’s story is a reminder that dyslexia does not define a person’s abilities, aspirations or future.
With appropriate intervention, encouragement and opportunities to discover their strengths, learners with dyslexia can develop the confidence and skills to pursue their own paths.
As DAS celebrates 35 years of supporting learners with dyslexia and other learning differences, alumni like Sophie demonstrate the lasting impact of specialised educational support.
And perhaps the most meaningful part of Sophie’s journey is not simply how far she has come, but how she continues to use her experiences and strengths to encourage others.
At DAS, we believe that every learner deserves the opportunity to discover their strengths and reach their potential.
